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Ken Ober Obituary
His agent, Lee Kernis, says Ober was found dead Sunday in his Santa Monica home. Kernis says Ober complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms on Saturday night but the cause of his death wasn't clear.
Ober hosted five seasons of "Remote Control" beginning in 1987. Contestants in lounge chairs were asked pop-culture questions from categories such as "Dead or Canadian?" The show featured early appearances by comedians Adam Sandler, Denis Leary and Colin Quinn.
Ober, who was born Ken Oberding in Massachusetts, is survived by his parents and a brother.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
152 Entries
Mr jody Brachman
September 12, 2017
Hi how are you i am sorry he's dead. I liked his shows videos etc. Rip. My condolences to his family wife. Take care bye.
93/94 NYE Feast in the local Village. Lovina Beach Bali.
Peter Metro
February 16, 2015
I met Ken and Susie W in Bali on New Years Eve 93/94. We spent about 10 days together carrying on like idiots, and keeping the locals (and ourselves) in fits of laughter. Ken was a great guy, who I miss very much. We wrote to each other for a couple of years, and then life simply got in the way and I lost track of him. Sadly, I found him again about one month after his passing. Miss you Pal. I wish you a safe, peaceful and happy journey to somewhere where the breeze blows, the sea is calm and clear and the sun shines. Your Aussie Brother. Peter Metro
Lisa Weiner
December 1, 2013
To Ken Ober,
You were a very host for the game show Remote Control. My prayers go to you and your family. Lisa Weiner
Mark Lewis
February 2, 2013
To the Ober Family,
I was friends with Ken, he was a nice, genuine person. He loved life and loved to laugh. I hadn't seen him in years but always had fond memories of him from High School. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Micah
March 3, 2011
Well its sad his gone seemed nice. I shook his hand when he was doing a game show in LA.
Charles Barry
May 3, 2010
I met Ken at UMASS Amherst in 1978. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and I was rushing to become a pledge. What an honest, sincere, and needless to say funny guy. I remember him driving his Fiat convertible around campus. We both had a attended a soccer camp run by Pelé in New Jersey, he realized that when he saw me wearing a jersey from that camp. I think it kind of endeared me to him. I never missed a comedy show that he did at UMASS with his then comedy writing partner, Peter Tolan. I only saw him one other time after college, that was when he did his standup act in Hyannis on Cape Cod. He always remembered my name, and everyone was a friend to him. I travel quite a bit to southern California now for business, and wish I could stop in and see an old friend.
March 7, 2010
For Ken...
I am always perplexed by His
choice of someone so young.
Now...you have gone home.
You know the answers to all
the questions.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Margaret Smith
January 2, 2010
I am saddened at the loss of KEN. hE WAS A VERY NICE AND SWEET PERSON. i GOT TO MEET HIM WHEN I was a contestant on Remote Control.
craig au
December 17, 2009
it's always ironic to read an obit about someone whom you spent only an afternoon with...which is the time i spent with Ken back when i lived in Hollywood...he came over to see a friend in the next apartment but somehow, we managed to end up in the backyard, talking and sharing a few laughs...i went away thinking he was funny, who couldn't, and sincere...something lacking in Hollywood, for sure...was he a "good" guy, i don't know...but for one afternoon, we talked like old friends and i'm sure that was no accident nor unusual...rest in peace, my afternoon friend...
Teal
December 16, 2009
Rest in Peace to a talented man, fond memories of Remote control as a kid..was just thinking yesterday about how they should bring that back...
December 14, 2009
I knew Ken from Hall High School. I am very sorry for your loss. May god be with you in your time of healing.
-Bryan Gouldsbrough, North Windham, Connecticut
Pattie C Lee
December 14, 2009
To Ken Ober family and friends
i am so sorry about the lost of your love one,i just want to say that god word the bible can give us strenght.the power of prayer,matthew,6:9.10.god kingdom will remove all our pain,please except my deepest condolences.
The Marcos Family
December 14, 2009
To: Ken Ober's family and friends,
We are saddened by your loss. This scriptural thought at John 5:28,29 has given us great relief. We certainly hope it provides a measure of comfort to you as well. Do not underestimate the power of Prayer.
andrew slayton
December 13, 2009
deeply saddened by the loss of one great and funny man
gerald franks
December 7, 2009
I very much enjoyed Ken Ober's comedic talent and rarely (if ever) missed his show. I pray the family can find some comfort in remembering his wit helped to make the day a little more fun.
phil joseph
December 5, 2009
thanks for all the great laughs. rest in peace........
mike george
December 4, 2009
grew up with mtv and it was a great show--it was actually funny without going down the lowest road--i am still wowed---my condolences--to all of us
G&J Wood
December 4, 2009
The irony is we were searching to find DVD copies of Remote Control the weekend Ken passed away. It was one of the funniest and most creative game shows ever thanks to to Ken's talent. Our sympathies are with Ken's family and friends.
Jill Sherbacow-Alecci
December 2, 2009
My family and Ken's know each other from West Hartford. We not only went to Hall High together but we shared a summer job in 1974 making sandwiches for a vending company. We had to be there at 5:30am and we worked till 2pm and if that wasn't hard enough, we worked with 4 women over the age of 60 and listened to Paul Harvey most days. I'm sure he drew some material from that experience! Years later, I was glad to see his success on MTV with Remote Control and knew that he was doing what he loved to do. It is a shock to hear of his passing. I hope this little memory brings comfort and a little smile to anyone reading this and remembering a dear friend.
Jim Rogers
December 2, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss, Ken was a very funny person. Watched Remote Control all the time great show. I met Ken in 4 grade and from there stayed friends until the end of High School. I can't say enough good things about Ken. My God bless Ken and his entire family.
Becky&David Pate
December 2, 2009
Thanks for the memories....
Our sincere condolances
The Pate family
Jon Lowder
December 1, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Margaret
November 29, 2009
To The Family and Loved Ones of Ken Ober- I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in memories.
Victor Nahmias
November 29, 2009
To the Ober family-I am so sorry for your loss.Ken was a terrific man with a great personality. He made everyone who came in contact with him vey happy.May the Lord comfort you in this time of sadness.
Kelly
November 29, 2009
May God bring your family comfort during this difficult time. (John 5:28, 29).
Maggie McMaster
November 28, 2009
God Bless him. He was a funny guy!
Kat Crabtree
November 28, 2009
To the Ober Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ken had a great TV personality and a great sense of humor. May God bless your family during this time of sadness.
Mary Lynch
November 28, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
tonya
November 27, 2009
i remember watching "remote control". it was one of my fave shows.
my prayers are with his family and friends in their time of sorrow.
Amanda Riley
November 27, 2009
I really enjoyed Remote Control. I am looking forward to seeing the reruns.
To Ken's family, may God continue to bless you in your time of bereavement.
keith franck
November 26, 2009
Rest in peace I grew up in the 80s with mtv and he will never be forgotten he was one of the people who help shape music tv.
Johnny C
November 26, 2009
Ken, rest in peace. Remote Control brought me a lot of happiness.
Bob K
November 25, 2009
I did my darndest not too miss any episodes of "Remote Control" finding it very creative and humorous. However it was Ken that really made it happen. He was a natural with the contestants and home audience.
I believe actress Kari Wuhrer also got her start on that show.
My condolences to Ken's family.
Sherry O'Hara
November 25, 2009
Ken, you will be missed , we had many a great laugh watching your shows. R.I.P.
Cynthia Slatton
November 25, 2009
I have such fond memories of the entire family watching Remote Control together. It brought a lot of laughter into our home. Ken was too young to lose him like this. My condolences to his family and friends.
Bobbby pisano
November 25, 2009
I remember Ken like it was yesterday, wow how times move on. My daughters were both born in 1987 when he was on MTV. See you in the after world, rest in peace.
Keli High
November 25, 2009
Some of my best times growing up was watching Ken on MTV, he was my favorite.
carmen
November 25, 2009
he was a great t.v. host and man
Gil
November 24, 2009
Wow! So sorry to hear of your loss. ken had talent and was able to share that with so many of us. God Bless
eddie travieso
November 24, 2009
i have seen his show sorry to hear of his passing.eddie phenix city,al
Jennifer
November 24, 2009
We're so sad to hear of his passing. He made us laugh!!! R.I.P. Ken. God bless your family.
Heidi
November 24, 2009
I used to watch Remote Control when I was younger and was deeply saddened but the loss of Ken Ober. RIP
Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery & Burial Vault Co.
November 24, 2009
We offer our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Your faith in the Lord will get you through this difficult time in your life.
Lisa Mende
November 24, 2009
RIP Kenny, we all grew up together at the Improv.
My heart goes out to your family.
Pat
November 24, 2009
I worked with Ken in Studio City about 10 years ago for a new sitcom pilot,he was very nice to the whoe crew.
tina province
November 23, 2009
God Bless.
Brent
November 23, 2009
Best host on a groundbreaking show for a new demographic. Thanks for your wit, you'll be missed Ken. Condolences to his family, he was too young.
Paige Dalton
November 23, 2009
I really enjoyed Remote Control when I was younger. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
November 23, 2009
I really enjoyed Remote Control when I was younger. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
pi
November 23, 2009
cry for you
Lee B
November 22, 2009
Ken was certainly a part of American culture and a darn funny guy. Thanks for making me smile, and sincere condolences to the Oberding family.
Pat Porter
November 22, 2009
I was so sad to hear that Ken had passed. Remote Control was the best thing on MTV. He will be missed by all of us early MTV addicts.
Jamallah Greene
November 22, 2009
I loved Remote Control as a kid. I am sorry to hear of his loss. My heart goes out to his family.
November 22, 2009
I LOVED Ken and remember snack time on remote control and Colin singing Tunes terribly but was funny. TJS (Newington Ct)
Kimberly King-Miller
November 22, 2009
I loved to watch Remote Control when I was younger. Ken was great on that show, he will be missed. Prayers to his family.
Gladys Demson
November 22, 2009
He will be greatly missed,my condolences.
Danielle Jones
November 22, 2009
I was a faithful fan of Remote Control. I loved that show back in the day. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tina
November 22, 2009
Man, I used to love watching Remote Control when I was younger.. I miss seening Ken on TV
Douglas Stewart
November 21, 2009
Sad...he'll be missed.
Andrea
November 21, 2009
Way to young to be gone...May you rest in peace.
john
November 21, 2009
remote control was genius.ken ober was a perfect fit for the revolutionary show.i had so many great laughs from comics torturing songs to the jason type characters waiting for the contestants behind the stage when they were eliminated.way too young.r.i.p. ken.
TOMMY
November 20, 2009
GOOD GUY GONE TO SOON ....
LOVE YA KEN MAY GOD TAKE CARE OF YOU...
Angel Flores
November 20, 2009
Please accept my profound condolescences. May the Lord provide you the strength during this difficult time. He was multi-talented. I will always remember Mr. Ober for his pleasant disposition, cheerful smile and sense of humor. He brought laughter and joy to millions. He will be sorely, missed. Celebrate his life, cherish his memories and treasure his moments.
Chele
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Houston Moore
November 20, 2009
Remote Control was so "original" and I wish todays programming had half as much charisma & originality as they did back then.
R.I.P. brother, you will be missed.
Jon Lowder
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Stephanie Hicks
November 20, 2009
I loved that show Remote Control also. I really liked watching Ken. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jenn W.
November 20, 2009
I loved Remote control, what good memories I have of Ken.
God Bless
Ms Bea
November 20, 2009
It's so sad to read of the death of someone. I send my deepest sympathy to family. I hope that you will draw comfort from the promise that Jesus has the power to cure every sort of illness, when on earth he demonstrated this many times. Matthew 9:35 This curing will take place on a larger scale in the new world. May you have fond memories.
Karen Cross
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny's family. As an old friend from Hall High School, I reconnected with him recently. I know he will be missed by so many people. Rest in peace old friend.
November 20, 2009
I remember Ken visiting Alamogordo, New Mexico with Kevin Seals on their great adventure tour for MTV. They were a couple of characters!! My daughter and I had a great time meeting both of them at Fergies, you will be missed. God Bless you!!! Becky and Dawn Ross
Becky Ross
November 20, 2009
I remember Ken visiting Alamogordo, New Mexico with Kevin Seals on their great adventure tour for MTV. They were a couple of characters!! My daughter and I had a great time meeting both of them at Fergies, you will be missed. God Bless you!!! Becky and Dawn Ross
Diane Brenker
November 19, 2009
1974 Ken Ober and Don Rickard were the Masters of Ceremonies for the Hall High School amateur night. He certainly had us all laughing. Ken, you will be missed.
Linda Wallach
November 19, 2009
To the family of Ken Ober,
I remember Ken very well from his days at King Philip Junior High School where I worked in the office. He would always come in to visit me in the office and make me laugh. I will always remember his smile and what a wonderful person he was.
Diane Brenker
November 19, 2009
I had the privilege to know Ken while we were in grade school together. He loved to jump rope (yes!) and hang out with the Hartwell Rd. group. At a young age he was always kind and always had a smile on his face. When I saw him compete years ago on "Star Search", I knew he was going places. I am sure he will be missed dearly by everyone.
sharon godwin
November 19, 2009
I remember being 16 and watching "remote control" I couldn't wait to get home and watch it! He will truely be missed by alot of people!
God bless
sharon g & family
florida
November 19, 2009
I remember him playing football in the backyard with the guys on Hartwell Road. So sorry.
Diane
November 19, 2009
I have never been much into game shows, but I can honestly say that I watched every episode of Remote Control. Ken Ober MADE the show! I was a teen in high school at the time and my friends and I would always discuss with each other about getting on the show. Loved it when the recliners "ate" people!
My deepest sympathies go out to his family. This may not mean very much, but so many of us growing up in the 80's admired him so much, and he will be deeply missed.
Melissa Orndorff-Storms
November 19, 2009
Sad. He was so young. Alot of years yet to live
capemamma
November 19, 2009
I grew up watching Ken and I feel like a piece of my youth is gone. rest in peace.
Betsey Heath
November 19, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's death. He and I had a lot of fun times in high school. One of my favorite memories was when West Farms Mall first opened up, and Ken and I went to the movies there. We explored the entire mall before the movie, pretending to be spys. We had a lot of laughs, and he will be missed.
Betsey Heath
Lori
November 19, 2009
I grew up watching you on Remote Control. I loved that show. My thoughts to your family and friends.
Greg Davie
November 19, 2009
Never was an MTV fan, being 50+ years old. But there was something magical about that show "Remote Control" and the charisma displayed by Ken Ober.
My favorite duel was in the final round, Weird Al Yankovic ripped EVERY mis-titled Beatles song while LL Cool J sat there with his body guards all stoic and silent.
Anyway, he ran a game show like I would have done, if given the chance. Sorry to hear he has passed, condolences to his family.
Lisa Romero
November 19, 2009
I am so sad to hear about Ken's passing. :( I will always remember him from my FAVORITE 80's gameshow!
My prayers go out to his family.
rob smith
November 19, 2009
I knew Ken from our school years. We met as Cub Scouts and were friendly through our high school years. He was a wonderful, happy ,friendly person who was very popular amongst his schoolmates. He loved soccer, music and humor. He had this great personality which attracted many to him. Always an upbeat attitude and smiling. We lost touch after high school. I was delighted when he turned up on MTV. What a great show he had. He was able to share his wit and sense of humor with the world. He will be missed.My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Ken's family .
Todd s.
November 18, 2009
Ken R.I.P. Great memories from those of us growing up with MTV in the 80's. Just you and us having fun in mom's basement. God bless to you;re family.
Todd from il
Norm Hitzges
November 18, 2009
I have fond memories of Ken hosting Remote Control. One of the funniest and entertaining shows ever. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Idalia
November 18, 2009
You are in our prayers. May God be with you in this difficult time.
c davis
November 18, 2009
so sorry for your loss. he seemed like such a nice man. enjoyed watching him on mtv. we will keep his family in our prayers.
November 18, 2009
I am sorry to hear about Colin Quinn, I was a big fan.
November 18, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Michael Baron
November 18, 2009
I went to School With Kenny, I live in Malibu Ca what a shock I wish I looked him up out here in ca He will be missed
Jolene Whitehead
November 18, 2009
To Ken's parents and sibling, I am sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I enjoyed watching Remote Control and my husband enjoys watching Mind Of Mencia when we get a chance to watch it. He was a great talent and will be sorely missed.
November 18, 2009
My deepest sympathys go to his family , I remember the show ,was a fan . he will always be a good memorie as well as the show will be . please take care of your selfs. a fan
april velez
November 18, 2009
My prayers are with his family.........what a loss!
Ms. Simmons
November 18, 2009
To the Oberding family~
I used to be a big fan of MTV and remember the show Remote Control.
So sorry to learn of your loss. He will be missed by a lot of people.
I hope you can find comfort in God's word (Romans 15:5).
Sincerely,
Flora Marie
November 18, 2009
Will never forget remote control! you will be missed!
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